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Youth-focused interface and features
Participants demonstrated a strong preference for youth-focused interfaces and features, particularly those incorporating gamification and interactive design. Many expressed that gamification elements, such as points, badges, and leaderboards, would not only make engagement with municipal matters more enjoyable but would also foster a sense of achievement and competition that would motivate them to participate actively. Similarly, interactive design features, including dynamic visuals, drag-and-drop functionalities, and customisable user profiles, were highly appreciated for making the app intuitive and engaging. Participants emphasised that these elements aligned with their expectations of modern digital platforms, enhancing their willingness to interact with governance-related content in a way that felt relevant and appealing to their generation. Overall, these features were viewed as crucial in bridging the gap between youth apathy and active civic engagement. The following responses highlight the key features that are desirable for youth participation through smartphone apps:
“Young people are more likely to stay engaged if the app feels like a game. You could add rewards or badges for activities like attending events or participating in polls. It keeps it fun and makes us feel like we’re achieving something.”(Participant 600)
“If the app included mini-games or quizzes about local government and how it works, it would be both educational and entertaining. That way, it doesn’t feel like just another boring civic app.” (Participant 65)
“An app for youth needs to be visually appealing and easy to use. It should feel like the apps we already love, like Instagram or TikTok, with a lot of visuals, swipe features, and interactive elements.” (Participant 70)
“We should be able to comment on posts, react to updates, and even vote on issues directly in the app. These features make it more personal and less one- sided.” (Participant 98)
In summary, young people prefer a municipal app that will mirror those that they are already familiar with, such as Facebook and Instagram. These social media apps are characterised by open data, high visuals, and customisable user profiles which allow for features like personalised notification settings.
Language and cultural sensitivity
Language and cultural sensitivity emerged as critical themes in the study of youth participation, highlighting the importance of multilingual support and cultural relevance in engaging young people effectively.
Participants emphasised that communication channels should accommodate South Africa’s diverse linguistic landscape to ensure inclusivity and accessibility. They noted that municipal platforms often prioritise English, marginalising youth who are more fluent in indigenous languages. Multilingual support was seen as a way to break these barriers, with respondents advocating for the use of isiZulu, Xhosa, Sotho, and other languages to foster a sense of belonging. Additionally, participants underscored the importance of cultural relevance in messaging, suggesting that traditional values and contemporary youth culture should be integrated to make policies and initiatives resonate deeply with their experiences. These findings align with the call for culturally sensitive approaches in public participation frameworks, emphasising that meaningful youth engagement requires not only technological access but also linguistic and cultural inclusivity:
“Cultural relevance is key. If the platform reflects my culture and values, I’m more likely to engage with it and recommend it to others.” (Participant 66)
“If the app doesn’t include my home language, it feels like it’s not meant for me. I need to express myself fully in the language I’m most comfortable with.” (Participant 39)
In summary, from the mentioned codes and responses it is clear that young people have a short attention span and can easily be demotivated and disengaged from municipal engagements through smartphone apps if they are deemed as ‘boring’. As a result, the design of My Munici-Pal will include features that are interactive, visually appealing, and personalised features to avoid unwanted actions like notifications.
Feedback and co-creation mechanisms
The sub-theme of ‘Feedback and co-creation mechanisms’ emerged as a key element in fostering meaningful youth participation in municipal governance. Participants emphasised the importance of structured user input channels that are accessible and inclusive, allowing young people to express their views and co-develop solutions with municipal officials. Responses highlighted that most youth felt disengaged due to limited opportunities for their voices to influence decision-making processes. However, if mechanisms such as surveys, social media platforms, or participatory workshops were introduced, participants reported a sense of empowerment and ownership in addressing local issues. This aligns with principles in the Youth Development Policy Framework (2020–2030), which advocates for participatory governance, and the Public Participation Framework, which emphasises citizen involvement. Participants suggested that digital tools, such as My Munici-Pal app, can bridge communication
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